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Bitter Melon and Black Bean Sauce Beef

Bitter melon and black bean sauce beef is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine that combines the unique bitterness of the melon with the savory and slightly sweet flavor of black bean sauce. This dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, with the bitterness of the melon balancing out the richness of the beef and the depth of the black bean sauce. Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd, is a green, ridged vegetable that is commonly used in Asian cooking for its health benefits and distinct flavor. When cooked, the bitterness of the melon mellows out, creating a complex and satisfying dish.

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

15 mins

Additional Time:

1 hr

Total Time:

1 hr 35 mins

Servings:

Yield:

4 servings

Ingredients

ice cubes

1 bitter melon, seeded and sliced

2 teaspoons soy sauce, divided

2 teaspoons cornstarch, divided

¼ teaspoon baking soda

6 ounces beef, sliced

1 tablespoon oil

1 teaspoon oil

½ onion, sliced

2 cloves garlic

1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger

1 tablespoon black bean sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 pinch white sugar, or to taste

¾ cup water

1 teaspoon water

salt to taste

Directions

Step 1

Fill a bowl with ice; add enough salted water to make an ice bath. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the bitter melon in the boiling water until tender yet firm, about 2 minutes; strain the melon. Place the melon into the ice bath; allow to sit until bitterness is extracted, about 1 hour. Drain melon.

Step 2

Whisk 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and baking soda together in a bowl. Add beef and toss to evenly coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Step 3

Heat wok, or a large skillet, on high until smoking. Add 1 tablespoon oil. Lay beef evenly across the bottom of the wok; cook until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Remove beef. Pour in 1 teaspoon of oil; allow to heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in bitter melon; cook until combined, about 1 minute.

Step 4

Stir black bean sauce into melon mixture. Stir in remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Pour in 3/4 cup water; cover and let simmer until flavors combine, 2 to 3 minutes. Uncover and mix in remaining cornstarch and 1 teaspoon water and stir until thickened.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

141

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Complement

The beef in this dish is typically tender and juicy, and it absorbs the flavors of the black bean sauce and bitter melon, creating a delicious and hearty meal. The black bean sauce adds a deep umami flavor to the dish and complements the bitterness of the melon, creating a perfect balance of flavors. This dish is a favorite in many Chinese households and is often served with steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. Whether you are a fan of bitter melon or trying it for the first time, the combination of bitter melon and black bean sauce beef is sure to delight your taste buds.